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Monday, March 7, 2011

Blue transferware

Hi everyone! I am continuing to use more of my blue and white English transferware throughout my house as spring seems to be in the air, and it just seems so fresh and light. This is my walnut sideboard given to my mom by a relative with a very English background. The print was also a gift from the same relative.

I have added some books belonging to my grandfather. His mother is in the top photo and was the aunt of the lady who gave us the sideboard. She is pictured again in the bottom photo with three of her children. My dad and his mother are in the photo on the right. I love to use things that mean something to me and have significance to my family and my husband's. In the coming weeks, you'll see a lot more English influence.

I bought this large Blue Willow platter in Japan several years ago.

I brought these plates out of the china cabinet and displayed them on this $4 plate rack I got at Christian Ministries. It was brass, and I painted it black. The top plate is Churchill "Brook" blue. The next is 17th Century England Ironstone "Red River," and the last is English Ironstone "EIT5." All of these plates were purchased at TJ Maxx at different times at least 8-9 years ago. They are all made in England. A lot of English tableware was sold at grocery stores here throughout the years. My grandmother got most of my Churchill "Blue Willow" a setting at a time at a local grocery.

The sideboard has been like this...

and this...

this way...

then one step closer...

to this...all of these changes were made with things I already had, or borrowed from my mother.

I'm thinking I will change the palm tree to an ivy topiary. I seem to do pretty well with ivy unless it's a topiary. I cannot keep them alive. If anyone has any tips on upkeep of an ivy topiary, please let me know!!

I'll be joining Marty at "A Stroll Through Life" for Tabletop Tuesday, so be sure to go by there.

Thanks for stopping by! Come back Wednesday...I'm using a new/old transferware pattern with the floral and plaid runner from a couple weeks ago.

Beautiful vignette on your sideboard. I love blue transferware too and have many pieces that belonged to my Grandparents. One is a very large platter titled Lady of the Lake which I wrote about in one of my early blog posts. They are all treasures to me because they belonged to family. Truly enjoyed this post. Good luck with the ivy topiary. Wish I could be some help, but I do not have a green thumb when it comes to ivy either. ~~Sherry~~

Your blue transferware is lovely and the side board is very beautiful. I love using old things that mean something from my past. It's nice to connect the old photos with the items as well. Have a wonderful week! Pamela

Oh Anita! I'm so glad to know that I'm not the only one who can't keep an ivy topiary alive! What is it with those? I just love your b/w transferware and cracked up when I saw this because I just added some more to a wall in my dining room. :-) We are like minded my friend!Vanessa

Your sideboard is beautiful all the time! I had forgotten about that tapestry. I love it!!! Your blue transferware is gorgeous and you are right... it just look so fresh and spring like! Those old photos are absolutely a treasure.

those pictures are beautiful! I love looking at vintage photos, you must treasure them so much. Love your table and how cool that you change the look and colors you use on it. I think the topiary would look very nice with the new set up.

I love your tranferware, Anita and the Blue Willow pattern is one of my favorites...I have a few plates. I love looking at all the antiques in your beautiful home, including the old photos and books in vignettes. Very nicely done!

Blue transferware is one of my favorites. You know, I have the same problem with ivy topiaries. I've had a few over the years and they always start to die off and then I get bald spots and next thing you know I end up throwing them out. I'll check back and see if anyone has any good tips on them.

Do you spritz them? I have a friend who literally puts them in the shower for a bath. I haven't try to grow one, but they sure are cool. A dedicated 'blue girl', I adore your vignettes. Thank you for sharing them. Cherry Kay

I never tire of blue transferware, no matter what form I see it in! This looks lovely on your sideboard! Yours looks a lot like mine, and it is such a fun piece to decorate! I have the answer to the ivy topiary debate...get a silk ivy! Cheating, I know, but they are not worth the effort when such beautiful fakes are out there! Just sayin...Thanks for giving us another look at your lovely home!

Hi Anita! I'm so glad you stopped today.Love befores and After....beautiful. Okay, Melody the florist is comin out......water plant once a day. The roots are well below the foliage and the foliage drys out faster. A glass full is plenty. Must mist foliage daily. The one blogger was right a shower once a week is a great help......Hi I'm back,,LOL.I've beem with Mom and Dad in the hospital all week, He came home last night. Jim and I went to Wal-mart for a few things and found a Canon Powershot on sale for $60. I'll let you know how it is.

Anita, your blue transferwear collection is just gorgeous and timeless on the antique sideboard. The transformation from different seasons is amazing! You have acheived entirely different moods, colorways and family treasures with each display.I have been blessed to have been passed down from my grandmother a similiar piece of furniture that I change with the holidays and seasons as well.Family heirlooms and love of your family are seasonless and make your home just glow. Thank you for sharing your precious keepsakes, artwork and tresures with us. Emelia.

Hi Anita! Oh, what a beautiful spot! I love your pretty sideboard and the Blue Willow makes my heart skip a beat! I have some too! I love how you've set everything up. Just so lovely!Be a sweetie,Shelia;)

Your sideboard is beautiful. I have been catching up on your blog and loving everything I see. Your home is lovely. (Of course my eyes went straight to your rugs!) If I can ever be of help in choosing another rug, please don't hesitate to contact me. Thanks for stopping by for MM.Jane T.

Hi Anita!Your sideboard is so lovely. I am enjoying this period in furniture. My father's home still holds much of what my grandmother had. This era put so much beauty in their pieces. Everything is so sturdy too... it looks delicate, but it's made so well!

I love all the looks your sideboard has had. You do such a nice job making every season special!Wishing you a wonderful Wednesday, Anita!*Maria

Hi Anita,Your blue transferware is lovely and the side board is very beautiful, I have many pieces some them from TJMax and other ones from Antique store in Miami.Anita, thank you so much for your comment about my trip to Florida , yes we are driving back with my 2 Dog on May 27,28,29,30 700 mile a day for 4 days Im so happy!! XOIsora XOIsora

Love the blue transferware... It looks cool with new settings ...Specially the blue tray on stand... it will be my favourite one...Hope you will enjoy your visit if you can spare a little bit to see some napkin foldshttp://craftaworld.blogspot.com/LoveFarah